End of an Era: Trump Permanently Shuts Down USAID Programmes in South Africa

In a devastating blow, the Trump administration has permanently shut down USAID programmes providing vital health services to the LGBTIQ+ community in South Africa.

Funding Suspended, Now Terminated

On 20 January, the American government announced the temporary suspension of all its foreign funding, including HIV programmes administered by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Days later, it also ordered all funded programmes to immediately halt their services.

The suspension was subject to a 90-day review period to ensure that all projects “fully align with the foreign policy of the President of the United States.”

However, on Wednesday, the US government made the suspension permanent through a Termination Notice of Award letter sent to several HIV projects in South Africa (and more than 5,000 other USAID funded initiatives around the world).

Unless these programmes find immediate new sources of funding, which is unlikely, this will put hundreds, if not thousands, of staff members out of work.

USAID Programmes and Services Affected

The affected organisations include the Anova Health Institute, which runs the Ivan Toms clinic in Cape Town, and OUT LGBT Well-being’s Engage Men’s Health programme, which operates a clinic in Johannesburg and mobile services in Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City.

These projects provided free, affirming, and specialised HIV, STI, and related health services for men who have sex with men (MSM), a population group at high risk of HIV that faces stigma and discrimination at public health facilities. (This reality has been documented in Ritshidze State of Health reports.)

According to the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, WITS RHI, which provided HIV and gender-affirming healthcare to South Africa’s transgender community, was also among those issued with a termination notice.

Since taking office, Trump and his administration have particularly targeted the transgender community, declaring that the official policy of the United States government recognises only two genders.

Official Justification and Fallout

In the letter to the organisations, Adam Cox, Deputy Director of the Office of Acquisition and Assistance at USAID, stated that the funding “is being terminated for convenience and the interests of the US Government pursuant to a directive from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio,” who is also acting as Administrator for USAID.

Cox explained that Rubio and Peter W. Marocco, Deputy Administrator for USAID, had determined that “your award is not aligned with Agency priorities and made a determination that continuing this programme is not in the national interest.”

The letter does not specify who will bear the costs associated with shutting down these projects, including staff retrenchments, the termination of supplier contracts and leases, and the disposal of assets.

However, Cox added that “detailed instructions will follow, and a formal modification/amendment to memorialise this action is forthcoming.”

Devastation for Staff and Beneficiaries

In a message seen by MambaOnline, Dr Moyahabo Mabitsi, CEO of the Anova Health Institute, informed staff that “we have officially received termination letters for all our USAID-funded programmes.” She added, “We are still grappling with the news and will wait for guidance from USAID on the programme close-out process.”

In a communication to staff about the termination, OUT LGBT Well-being’s management team acknowledged the emotional impact of the decision:

“We understand that this news is difficult to process. Engage Men’s Health has been more than just a project—it has been a lifeline for many, a source of support and care, and a testament to the passion and dedication of this incredible team. We deeply appreciate the hard work, commitment, and heart that each of you has poured into making it such a meaningful initiative.”

Impact Beyond Health Services

In addition to providing healthcare, the shuttered projects often offered hate crime monitoring, safe spaces, and mental health counselling to members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

The closures will therefore create significant gaps not only in healthcare, dramatically setting back the fight against HIV, but also in broader efforts to empower and support LGBTIQ+ individuals in South Africa.